Tearing up in Panera

So today, I'm working from the Panera bread company. I can refill my coffee and they offer me free wi-fi. I love that my job allows me this kind of flexibility. I love that Caryn is already a capable enough mother to allow me this.

I am not, by nature, an Internet junkie. I don't spend hours on YouTube or checking my Facebook account. But as part of my job, I spend a significant amount of time looking for topics to write about. Sometimes I come across things that move me in ways that I do not understand. There are so many terrible things going on in the world, that it is easy to believe that we live in a dark, hopeless place.

But there there are those singularly special moments. I don't know if it was the fact of recently becoming a father of two, or lack of sleep, or if it was the raw power of the stories, but I found myself tearing up as I was reading this website.

It is about an organization called 4 Paws For Ability. It pairs dogs with children who have autism. If it doesn't bring tears to your eyes, you have no heart. I had to look away from the screen and collect myself to stop from blubbering like a fool.

Welcome Sebastien and Eden!

This video is a little long (15 min.) but I figured, that if you're ever going to indulge yourself, this will be the time.

Who's In The Army Now?

I just wanted to pass along an article I found interesting. It concerns the current attitude toward assuming our military personnel are automatically heroes of the highest caliber. It speaks not only to the political taboo of saying anything negative about US soldier, but toward the American understanding of what it means to be in honorable service in defense our the national ideals.

It is found here, at The Burnside Writers Collective

A Short, Sad Note

Since beginning my new job, I spend a lot more time on the Internet. While there are plenty of funny videos out there: cats wearing hats, people falling down, etc. There are websites that manage information in a way that makes the news more understandable.

I just wanted to share this site from USA Today. I know it doesn't include Iraqi deaths, and I'm not implying that any life is more valuable than any other. It is simply saddening.

Iraq Soldier Death Totals